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How norms can generate conflict

Norms play an important role in establishing social order. The current literature focuses on the emergence, maintenance and impact of norms with regard to coordination and cooperation. However, the issue of norm-related con ict deserves more attention. We develop a general theory of \normative con ict" by dierentiating between two dierent kinds of con ict. The rst results from distinct expectations of which means should be chosen to full the norm, the second from distinct expectations of how strong the norm should restrain the selfinterest. We demonstrate the empirical relevance of normative con ict in an experiment that applies the "strategy method" to the ultimatum game. Our data reveal normative con ict among dierent types of actors, in particular among egoistic, equity, equality and "cherry picker" typesShow more